Today, I’m excited to be smoking from the original release of JFR’s Lunatic Torch by Aganorsa Leaf! I was floored by these when I first got them and even more so over time, but it’s been about 18 months since I fired up the last one. I have the Visionaries 6 ½ x 52 in my hand.
This Spice Lord still opens the gate with a fiery red pepper blast straight to the sinuses alongside a creamy undertone. As I type this, my tongue is still tingling and itching for more. The unfinished foot allows us to sample the binder and filler leaves without the wrapper leaf, and I’m curious how it’ll hit four years after they were launched.
I’m still shocked at how much red pepper this cigar still has. You’d have to be a Lunatic to crank this dial to the right until the handle breaks, but I’m digging it.
As the wrapper ignites and the burn evens out, I’m finally able to taste more than spice. Now I’m getting dark chocolate, brown sugar, a touch of oak, and hints of leather. There’s also a healthy amount of dried fruit in the background – all abundantly doused in red pepper. Naturally.
Dropping the first ash, flavour begins to harmonize with a U. Red pepper yields to baking spices like soft nutmeg and cinnamon, and the entire experience morphs into a second act that tastes like Broadway in your mouth. It’s like leading with a spicy appetizer and following up with something sweet and bready to comfort the senses.
At the midway point, everything comes together in such a glorious way. A little pepper still tingles on my tongue, and there’s a sweet, spicy, and bready combination that I can’t get enough of.
After the initial moments that the wrapper ignited, this cigar required no touch-ups and the burn line was as crisp as one could imagine. I’m really excited to grab another box of these and see how they compare in time. For now, though, I think I’ll make some Nespresso and see how this cigar holds up. UPDATE: Wonderful pairing. The bitterness of coffee contrasted the sweet notes of the cigar beautifully, playing up both of their strengths.
Have you also smoked a JFR Torch Lunatic? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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